54 Friday Night Fish Fry Recipes
Updated: Mar. 22, 2024
Re-create a Friday night fish fry any day of the week. With recipes for fish, fries, coleslaw and so much more, here's everything you need to enjoy a fish fry at home!
What Is a Fish Fry?
A fish fry is a meal where the main food is fried or battered fish. They’re typically held on Fridays and are most popular in the Midwest during Lent. These meals are usually served with sides like coleslaw, a form of potatoes (fries, hash brown casseroles, etc.), pickled vegetables and a sauce. We’ll walk you through how to make a Friday night fish fry with our fish recipes and sides that you’d likely find at any authentic Midwestern fish fry.
In this list
- Lemon-Batter Fish
- Fish and Fries
- Homemade Fish Sticks
- Crispy Fish & Chips
- Batter-Up Walleye
- Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia
- Crispy Beer-Battered Fish
- Parmesan Fish Sticks
- Oven-Fried Fish & Chips
- Dijon-Crusted Fish
- Oven-Fried Fish Nuggets
- Pretzel-Crusted Catfish Bites
- Secret Ingredient Fried Catfish
- Lemon-Parsley Baked Cod
- Fish & Chips with Dipping Sauce
- Creamy Coleslaw
- Hush Puppies
- Rustic Rye Bread
- Favorite Bread & Butter Pickles
- Macaroni Coleslaw
- Dill & Chive Peas
- Crispy Smashed Potatoes
- Nutty Broccoli Slaw
- Three-Bean Baked Beans
- Potluck Macaroni and Cheese
- Garlic-Chive Baked Fries
- Potato Clam Chowder
- Spicy Applesauce
- Sweet 'n' Tangy Freezer Pickles
- Oven Parmesan Chips
- Microwave Pickles
- Rosemary Sweet Potato Fries
- Contest-Winning Old-Fashioned Potato Salad
- Aunt Frances’ Lemonade
- Spicy Ketchup
- Refrigerator Garden Pickles
- Creamy Hash Brown Casserole
- Easy Homemade Chunky Applesauce
- Spicy Sweet Potato Chips & Cilantro Dip
- Homemade Potato Salad
- Easy Dill Pickles
- Parmesan Potato Wedges
- Green Onion Tartar Sauce
- Lemonade Iced Tea
- Beet and Sweet Potato Fries
- Caraway Seed Rye Bread
- Pickled Green Beans
- Moist Red Pepper Cornbread
- Homemade Spicy Hot Sauce
- Fire-and-Ice Pickles
- Potato Wedges with Sweet & Spicy Sauce
- Raspberry Lemonade Concentrate
- Savory Corn Bread
- Classic Tartar Sauce
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Lemon-Batter Fish
Fishing is a popular recreational activity where we live, so folks are always looking for ways to prepare their catches. My husband ranks this as one of his favorites. —Jackie Hannahs, Cedar Springs, Michigan
Got an air fryer? Try these air-fryer fish recipes, too!
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Fish and Fries
"Tuck in" as if you're in a traditional British pub. These oven-baked, moist fish fillets have a fuss-free coating that's healthy but just as crunchy and golden as the deep-fried kind. Simply seasoned and also baked, the crispy fries are perfect on the side. —Janice Mitchell, Aurora, ColoradoBefore you move ahead check these air fryer fish recipes perfect for your quick cravings!
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Homemade Fish Sticks
I am a nutritionist and needed a healthy fish fix. Moist inside and crunchy outside, these are amazing with oven fries or roasted veggies and low-fat homemade tartar sauce. —Jennifer Rowland, Elizabethtown, Kentucky
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Crispy Fish & Chips
A British pub classic turns crown jewel when you add horseradish, panko and Worcestershire. You can also try it with a white fish like cod or haddock. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
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Batter-Up Walleye
Nothing is more rewarding than celebrating the day's catch with friends when you share this fresh dish. Substitute your favorite pan fish! —Alesha Oster, Williston, North Dakota
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Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia
You won’t have to fish for compliments when this is the catch of the day! Christi McElroy — Neenah, Wisconsin
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Crispy Beer-Battered Fish
A local restaurant made a similar breading for shrimp po' boys, but we think this version's better. I serve the beer battered fish with a ranch dressing and hot sauce mixture as a dip. —Jenny Wenzel, Gulfport, Mississippi
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Parmesan Fish Sticks
I wanted a healthier approach to fish sticks and developed a baked tilapia with a slightly peppery bite. My husband and sons love the crispy coating. —Candy Summerhill, Alexander, Arkansas
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Oven-Fried Fish & Chips
My baked fish is a shoo-in when you want fish and chips without the frying mess. Dare I say, they're a little upgrade from the English pub classic. Get more of my recipe at cinnamonspiceandeverythingnice.com. —Reeni Pisano, Wappingers Falls, New York
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Dijon-Crusted Fish
Dijon, Parmesan and a hint of horseradish give this toasty fish lots of flavor. The preparation is so easy, it takes just 5 to 7 minutes to get four servings ready for the oven. —Scott Schmidtke, Chicago, Illinois
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Oven-Fried Fish Nuggets
My husband and I love fried fish, but we're both trying to cut back on dietary fat. I came up with this oven-baked version. He likes it as much as deep-fried fish, so I know it's a winner. —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma
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Pretzel-Crusted Catfish Bites
I'm not a big fish lover, so any concoction that has me loving fish is a keeper in my book. This combination of flavors just works for me. It's wonderful served with a nice buttery herb rice pilaf and corn muffins with honey! —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
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Secret Ingredient Fried Catfish
Pancake mix and carbonated water are the surprising secrets to these beautifully browned catfish fillets. Serve with coleslaw or sweet potato fries, and get ready for smiles. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen. Next try this easy-to-make fried catfish recipe.
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Lemon-Parsley Baked Cod
After trying a few baked cod recipes, this was the first fish recipe that got two thumbs up from my picky meat-only eaters. The tangy lemon gives the cod fish some oomph. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
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Fish & Chips with Dipping Sauce
My husband and I really like fish and chips, but not all the grease that typically comes along with it. I decided to give the classic dinner a makeover. Turns out the pickle dip is healthier than tartar sauce, and we like it a lot better—who knew? —Michelle Lucas, Cold Spring, Kentucky
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Creamy Coleslaw
For me, this is the best coleslaw recipe because a package of shredded cabbage and carrots really cuts down on prep time. This coleslaw recipe is great for potlucks or to serve to your family on a busy weeknight. —Renee Endress, Galva, Illinois
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Hush Puppies
A fish dinner isn’t complete without a side of hush puppies, and my mom is well-known for this recipe. It’s the best! —Mary McGuire, Graham, NC. Check out our new sides for fried fish.
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Rustic Rye Bread
This gorgeous rye bread has just a touch of sweetness and the perfect amount of caraway seeds. With a crusty top and firm texture, it holds up well to sandwiches, but a pat of butter will do the job, too. —Holly Wade, Harrisonburg, Virginia
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Favorite Bread & Butter Pickles
I made these pickles while growing up and love them because you can eat them with just about anything. Now, both of my children love these pickles too. I think you'll enjoy them as much as we do! —Linda Weger, Robinson, Illinois
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Macaroni Coleslaw
My friend Peggy brought this coleslaw to one of our picnics, and everyone liked it so much, we all had to have the recipe. —Sandra Matteson, Westhope, North Dakota
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Dill & Chive Peas
Growing my own vegetables and herbs helps keep things fresh in the kitchen, but frozen peas make this side is a breeze to prepare. —Tanna Richard, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
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Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Golden brown and buttery, these crispy smashed potatoes live up to their tantalizing name. A sprinkle of fresh herbs when they’re hot out of the oven maximizes the flavor…and the pretty. —Althea Dye, Howard, Ohio
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Nutty Broccoli Slaw
My daughter gave me the recipe for this delightful salad. The sweet dressing nicely coats a crisp blend of broccoli slaw mix, onions, almonds and sunflower kernels. Crushed ramen noodles provide even more crunch. It's a smash hit wherever I take it. —Dora Mae Clapsaddle, Kensington, Ohio
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Three-Bean Baked Beans
I got this recipe from my aunt and made a couple of changes to suit my taste. With ground beef and bacon mixed in, these satisfying beans are a big hit at backyard barbecues and church picnics. I'm always asked to bring my special beans. —Julie Currington, Gahanna, Ohio
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Potluck Macaroni and Cheese
You’ll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here’s an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts
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Garlic-Chive Baked Fries
Yes, you do want fries with that—especially these crispy, golden fries, full of garlic flavor and just a little bit of heat. —Steve Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin
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Potato Clam Chowder
I ran across this recipe in one of my antique cookbooks. It's a timeless classic I like to prepare for friends and family throughout the year, but especially during the holidays. —Betty Ann Morgan, Upper Marlboro, Maryland
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Spicy Applesauce
We have an apple-picking party every year. It's a bushel of fun, and I always look forward to cooking a batch of this easy applesauce seasoned with cinnamon, cloves and allspice. —Marian Platt, Sequim, Washington
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Sweet 'n' Tangy Freezer Pickles
Now you can have all the goodness of crunchy sweet-sour pickles without going to the trouble of canning them. Even though these puckery slices can be stored in the freezer, they don't last long at my house. —Jean Vance, Charlotte, North Carolina
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Oven Parmesan Chips
My husband and I avoid fried foods, but potatoes are part of our menu almost every day. These delectable sliced potatoes get nice and crispy and give our meals a likable lift. —Mary Lou Kelly, Scottdale, Pennsylvania
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Microwave Pickles
You can enjoy a small batch of these sweet crunchy pickles anytime without the work of traditional canning methods. They're loaded with flavor and so easy to make. —Marie Wladyka, Land O'Lakes, Florida
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Rosemary Sweet Potato Fries
A local restaurant got me hooked on sweet potato fries. I started making them at home with different seasonings to match the taste. I'm thrilled with the results! —Jackie Gregston, Hallsville, Texas
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Contest-Winning Old-Fashioned Potato Salad
We live at the edge of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, where there are lots of small farms. Country markets are plentiful here, so potatoes are a staple. I use them up in this delicious old-fashioned potato salad recipe. —Nancy Grove-Nichols, Dillsburg, Pennsylvania
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Aunt Frances’ Lemonade
My sister and I spent a week each summer with our Aunt Frances, who always had this thirst-quenching lemonade in a stoneware crock in her refrigerator. It makes a refreshing drink after a hot day of running around. —Debbie Reinhart, New Cumberland, Pennsylvania
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Spicy Ketchup
When this homemade ketchup is bubbling on the stove, the aroma takes me back to childhood. One taste and I’m home again. —Karen Naihe, Kamuela, Hawaii
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Refrigerator Garden Pickles
Canning isn't necessary for these crisp-tender, tangy pickles. Keep them in the fridge and eat them up within a month. —Linda Chapman, Meriden, Iowa
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Creamy Hash Brown Casserole
This versatile side dish is so good with grilled steak, and is delicious with other meats as well. A creamy cheese sauce and crunchy topping make this potato casserole popular for family dinners and potlucks. —Teresa Stutzman, Adair, Oklahoma
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Easy Homemade Chunky Applesauce
Here's a comforting, home-style treat that never loses its appeal. Dish up big bowlfuls and wait for the smiles! —Marilee Cardinal, Burlington, New Jersey
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Spicy Sweet Potato Chips & Cilantro Dip
This irresistible combo could become your new signature snack food. Park the spicy baked chips next to a bowl of the cool, creamy dip and let the gang have at it. What a fantastic twist on traditional chips and dip! —Elizabeth Godecke, Chicago, Illinois
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Homemade Potato Salad
This homemade potato salad recipe doesn't have many ingredients, so it isn't as colorful as many that you find nowadays. But Mama made it the way her mother did, and that's the way I still make it today. Try it and see if it isn't one of the best-tasting potato salads you have ever eaten! —Sandra Anderson, New York, New York
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Easy Dill Pickles
This treasured dill pickle recipe is like an old friend. These crispy spears have a slightly salty, tart flavor with a good balance of dill, garlic and peppers. —Betty Sitzman, Wray, Colorado
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Parmesan Potato Wedges
I recommend serving these Parmesan potato wedges alongside a salad for a light lunch or serving them as a side dish with a chicken or beef entree. —Beth Ask, Ulster, Pennsylvania
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Green Onion Tartar Sauce
Here’s a traditional sauce worth making from scratch. It makes the meal feel very special, and guests are always impressed. You might never buy the bottled stuff ever again. —Roger Slivon, Genesee Depot, Wisconsin
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Lemonade Iced Tea
I have always loved iced tea with lemon, and this irresistible thirst-quencher takes it one step further. The lemonade gives this refreshing drink a nice color, too. —Gail Buss, New Bern, North Carolina
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Beet and Sweet Potato Fries
Instead of offering traditional french fries, try these oven-baked root vegetables as a flavorful side dish. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
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Caraway Seed Rye Bread
My parents were immigrants from Czechoslovakia and my mother would pull out this rye bread recipe when guests came over for dinner. Every time I bake it, I get nostalgic for those days. —Millie Feather, Baroda, Michigan
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Pickled Green Beans
This recipe produces zippy little pickled green beans, preserving my veggies for months to come ... if they last that long. I crank up the heat a bit with cayenne pepper. —Marisa McClellan, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Moist Red Pepper Cornbread
The name of this recipe says it all—except how perfect they are for scooping up that last drop of soups and stews! —Katherine Thompson, Tybee Island, Georgia
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Homemade Spicy Hot Sauce
I created this spicy recipe one day using what I had available from my garden: hot peppers, carrots, onions and garlic. The carrots make this recipe stand out. —Carolyn Wheel, Fairfax, Vermont
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Fire-and-Ice Pickles
These sweet and spicy pickles are great on a sandwich or all by themselves as a snack. The recipe is an easy way to dress up store-brought pickles and make them a special treat! —Myra Innes, Auburn, Kansas
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Potato Wedges with Sweet & Spicy Sauce
I'm a small-business owner, so most of my recipes are a result of not having time to run to the store, and doing with what's on hand. Here's a perfect example. Dip these wedges in anything. —Dana Alexander, Lebanon, Missouri
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Raspberry Lemonade Concentrate
Here's a concentrate that allows you to enjoy a refreshing summer beverage any time of year. Sweet raspberries balance the tartness from lemons. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Savory Corn Bread
Want to serve your favorite chili or stew with an equally amazing corn bread? Look no further than this simply perfect recipe. It's the best! I've brought it to potlucks many times. —Krista Klaus, Round Rock, Texas
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Classic Tartar Sauce
You’ll never buy the jarred stuff again once you’ve tried this homemade tartar sauce recipe! —Michelle Stromko, Darlington, MarylandOriginally Published: March 28, 2019
